U.S. Bank Makes Networking Easier for Small Business Owners with New LinkedIn Feature on Connect

U.S. Bank Makes Networking Easier for Small Business Owners with New LinkedIn Feature on Connect

Hosts Facebook chat Wednesday, May 15 on online networking

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Owners of small businesses can now use U.S. Bank's "Connect" site to easily build up their LinkedIn network to help them grow their businesses.

"Time is something small-business owners never have enough of each day," said Cathi Stanton, senior vice president for U.S. Bank Retail Payment Solutions. "The new 'Build Your Network' feature gives small business owners a fast and easy way to build their online network by searching their extended LinkedIn connections by industry, company size and similar traits. The tool does all of the legwork so that business owners don't spend unnecessary time digging for contacts and can instead, focus on getting in touch with potential partners that can help their business thrive."

U.S. Bank's Connect site gives business owners free tools and resources they need to help start, run and grow their businesses. Connect will feature one of the site's online networking experts in a Facebook chat on Wednesday, May 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. CT. Business owners, or anyone thinking of starting a business, can use this forum to learn how to effectively network online, how to use LinkedIn for their business, and how to use the new 'Build Your Network' feature on Connect. Sign up at https://www.facebook.com/events/300624746735970/.

"We are excited to be part of the team working with U.S. Bank on this application," stated Marty Davis, general manager of RBA Digital Marketing. "Their commitment to driving a digital strategy within their organization to better serve their customers proves that they are forward-looking and see value in developing new ways to make it as convenient as possible to provide service to the small business community."

U.S. Bank has supported businesses of all types and sizes for generations. It provides financing, education and banking services that include award-winning credit cards and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, as one of the leading small business lenders in the nation. The company regularly reports the economic and business sentiment of small business owners, most recently with the 2013 U.S. Bank Small Business Annual Survey. Business owners can find resources at www.usbankconnect.com and follow Connect on Twitter @usbankconnect and on Facebook at facebook.com/usbankconnect.

RBA is an award-winning technology solutions provider with offices in Minneapolis, Dallas and Denver. RBA works with clients and creative organizations to deliver innovative, design-driven, and technically-proven desktop solutions that both move our clients' brand forward and positively affect their bottom line. Consistently named a Best Place to Work, RBA's entrepreneurial spirit combined with its challenging and rewarding employment experience attract the industry's top thought leaders and technical talent. For more information, visit www.rbaleverage.com.

U.S. Bancorp (NYS: USB) , with $355 billion in assets as of March 31, 2013, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the company operates 3,080 banking offices in 25 states and 5,056 ATMs. The bank provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.